Local leaders and members of the RCMP inspected the new drone at Wednesday's meeting. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

surveillance

Local leaders get close up look at new RCMP drone

Nov 1, 2023 | 3:29 PM

Tri-community leaders and members of the RCMP met in La Ronge on Wednesday for a demonstration of a new drone that could become a common sight in the sky in the coming years.

Lac La Ronge Indian Band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, as well as Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk and La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski, were invited to the local detachment to get a close up look at what the RCMP is calling a remotely piloted aircraft system. The drone weighs 30 pounds, has a six-foot wingspan, thermal capacity and high-quality cameras.

The demonstration included a presentation of the drones features as it circle above the La Ronge detachment. It can reach operating heights of 500 feet.

“I think it is something the community will get behind because it is extra eyes to help us and it looks like the technology is much more sophisticated compared to what we’ve seen before,” Cook-Searson said.

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“I think it is a very good technology that we will be able to use to help us if someone is missing or if the RCMP need extra resources to help them find someone that’s committed a crime or to help with searches.”

The RCMP currently has two of the new drones with one based in Prince Albert and the other in Regina. The drones are meant to work similar as police aircraft that remain airborne for many hours and are dispatched to different areas as calls for service occur during the day. For instance, if there is a break-and-enter in progress, the drone will immediately be able to fly to the scene and observe any ongoings.

In the coming years, the RCMP hopes to have 10 such drones throughout the province, including one based in La Ronge. The drones will be allowed to record in areas for which there is no expectation of privacy like public streets and parking lots, but they won’t be allowed to look at people in their backyards or in their homes without judicial authorization.

“I think it is going to provide officers much more safety in terms of dealing with issues. They are going to be able to see what’s ahead of them. The extra eyes will certainly help in that area and I am pretty excited to see this program happen in La Ronge and area,” Hordyski said.

“It is great for the community. People always talk about safety of the community and this is going to increase the capabilities of our police department to really keep people safe.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com